Sant Ambroeus NYC: Italian Cafe Menu & Dining Guide

Sant Ambroeus New York
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An Italian Gem in the Heart of New York
Nestled in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Sant Ambroeus brings a slice of Milanese elegance to New York City. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and authentic Italian charm, this cafe has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a sophisticated European café with its marble-topped tables, plush banquettes, and the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed espresso.
Location: Multiple locations including Madison Avenue and West Village
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM – 10 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 8 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (212) 570-2211 or reservations@santambroeus.com
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Menu Highlights
Sant Ambroeus offers an exquisite selection of Italian classics with a contemporary twist. Here are some must-try items:
Breakfast & Pastries
- Cornetto al Cioccolato – Flaky Italian croissant filled with rich chocolate.
- Panettone French Toast – Holiday favorite transformed into decadent breakfast.
- Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado on rustic bread with chili flakes.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layered with fresh berries and house-made granola.
Lunch & Dinner
- Tagliolini al Limone – Delicate pasta with lemon cream and parmesan.
- Milanese Risotto – Creamy saffron risotto with bone marrow.
- Vitello Tonnato – Thinly sliced veal with tuna-caper sauce.
- Burrata Salad – Fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes and basil.
Desserts
- Tiramisu – Classic Italian dessert with espresso-soaked ladyfingers.
- Pistachio Cake – Moist cake with rich pistachio cream.
- Sacher Torte – Viennese chocolate cake with apricot jam.
- Gelato Selection – Authentic Italian ice cream in various flavors.
Coffee & Beverages
- Caffè Sant Ambroeus – Signature espresso with orange zest.
- Marocchino – Layered espresso, cocoa, and frothy milk.
- Aperitivo Spritz – Refreshing cocktail with Aperol and prosecco.
- Italian Wine Selection – Curated wines from various regions.
The Sant Ambroeus Experience
Interior & Ambience
The moment you enter Sant Ambroeus, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that perfectly balances sophistication with comfort. The Madison Avenue location features high ceilings, large windows that flood the space with natural light, and elegant black-and-white tiled floors. The West Village outpost offers a more intimate setting with cozy banquettes and a charming sidewalk patio perfect for people-watching.
What truly sets the ambience apart is the seamless blend of Italian tradition and New York energy. During the day, you’ll find writers typing away on laptops, ladies who lunch catching up over cappuccinos, and business meetings conducted over perfect espresso. Evenings bring a more romantic vibe, with soft lighting and the gentle clink of wine glasses.
Service & Staff
The service at Sant Ambroeus strikes that perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive. The staff, many of whom are Italian or Italian-trained, move with the graceful efficiency of seasoned professionals. They’re knowledgeable about the menu without being pretentious, happy to explain the difference between a cappuccino and a macchiato or recommend the perfect wine pairing for your meal.
What’s particularly impressive is how the staff remembers regulars – your preferred table, your usual order, even asking about your family. This personal touch makes Sant Ambroeus feel like a neighborhood institution despite its international reputation.
Pricing & Value
While Sant Ambroeus isn’t cheap, the prices reflect the quality of ingredients and the exceptional dining experience. Breakfast items range from $8 for pastries to $22 for heartier dishes. Lunch and dinner entrees typically fall between $24-$38, with pasta dishes being particularly good value given their perfect preparation.
The wine list offers options at various price points, with many excellent Italian bottles in the $50-$80 range. For those looking to splurge, there are also premium selections that go into the hundreds. The coffee, while more expensive than your average diner, is worth every penny for its authentic Italian preparation.
Final Thoughts
Sant Ambroeus has earned its reputation as one of New York’s premier Italian cafes through consistent excellence in every aspect. The Milanese Risotto is legendary among regulars, while the Tiramisu might just be the best in the city. Coffee aficionados swear by their Caffè Sant Ambroeus, a signature espresso drink with a hint of orange that’s become their trademark.
This is the perfect spot for:
- Foodies seeking authentic Italian flavors
- Business meetings in an elegant setting
- Romantic dates with European flair
- Solo diners who appreciate great coffee and people-watching
- Anyone craving a taste of Milan in Manhattan